Did you know that cotton candy was invented by a dentist from Tennessee in 1897? William James Morrison graduated from dental school and not long after became president of the Tennessee State Dental Association. While he had a number of inventions under his belt, the one that seemed a bit incongruent with his profession was cotton candy.

Morrison created an “electric candy machine” that would melt sugar and then use forced air through a mesh screen into a spinning chamber. What came out was a cloudlike substance back then known as Fairy Floss; today it’s known as cotton candy. 

While this is interesting history, it’s not what this blog is about. Scientists utilize cotton candy for a completely different use. Ironically, cotton candy might serve to save lives. How so?

Cotton candy’s delicate structure is used to create artificial human blood vessels. Researchers at Vanderbilt University spin the candy fibers, pour a gelatin mixture over the stands and after hardening they dissolve the sugar with an enzyme solution. 

What remains is a complex mold that’s very similar to the human capillary system. If successful, cotton candy can be a break-through creation to help make artificial tissue.

Psalm 139 declares that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” The care and complete attention to detail of our Creator is nothing short of amazing. Did you know that you have around 60,000 miles of blood vessels running throughout your body? That’s more than twice the distance around the earth.

The next time your child asks you for a cotton candy treat at the local fair, consider saying yes. Then take some time to explain the good side of this simple treat. By the way, it takes only one tablespoon of sugar to make that cloud-like swirl.